PIP: There is nothing in the Koran which is for or against contraception. Scripture references are given which show that concern for safety of both parents and offspring and a desire for strong children have been in Islam from the beginning. Contraception during lactation is encouraged; a quotation from the Hadis or Prophet sayings shows that an infant conceived while its mother is breast feeding is weak in constitution. Throughout the Middle Ages Islamic physicians preached contraceptives measures. In the 9th century Abu Bakr al Razi illustrated many different methods in his ''Quintessence of Experience.'' He especially urged contraception to protect the health of the mother and to space children. Contraception was indicated solely on medical grounds. On January 29, 1937 the Imam of Moslems in Egypt was asked for an opinion on contraception and abortion and his answer was: 1) married couples can practice contraception for medical and social reasons; 2) before 16 weeks of gestation drugs can be taken or measures taken to produce abortion if there is no risk to the mother and if a reasonable indication is present; and 3) abortion should by no means be induced after 16 weeks. Religious opposition to family planning differs by countries. In Egypt family planning is accepted as it is in Turkey and other countries. However, greater cooperation among Islamic nations is needed to attack the problems of rapid population growth and its resulting ill effects for both individual families and nations as a whole.